Lake Harriet in Mono County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Lake Harriet sits within Mono County in California. It sits at 9,252 feet above sea level. At 10 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. 31 miles away sits Yosemite Valley, the nearest town. For a city, Modesto is 86 miles off. Others close at hand: 0.3 miles out stands Cora Lake, Bonnie Lake at about 0.5 miles, 0.6 miles out stands Stella Lake Ruth at about 0.9 miles and 0.9 miles out stands Lake Helen. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Lake Harriet

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Records held for Mono County cover brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, owens sucker and california golden trout. Read it as a county summary, not a water-by-water list. Fish Lake Harriet to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 54°F at the top of summer and 22°F at the bottom of winter. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about late May. The season between ice runs from about late May to late November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. That is the shape of the year on Lake Harriet.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Records list it as a fishing water. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. If the gate is shut, Cora Lake at 0.3 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the current arrangement for Lake Harriet.